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Pippo Inzaghi’s first game in charge was a success, as Milan beat Lazio 3-1 and Diego Lopez saved a penalty.

The first game of the season was already a head-to-head for Europe, as both teams missed out on qualification last term. Pippo Inzaghi made his senior management debut on the bench, but Fernando Torres hadn’t completed his move from Chelsea yet and Giampaolo Pazzini had a muscular problem, so Jeremy Menez acted as a ‘False 9.’ Mattia De Sciglio and Philippe Mexes were injured with Riccardo Montolivo out until late October with a broken leg. Lazio also made many changes, missing Federico Marchetti, Eddy Onazi, Abdoulay Konko, Ederson and the banned Bruno Pereirinha.

It took just seven minutes to break the deadlock. Stephan El Shaarawy burst from midfield past Stefan de Vrij and rolled across for the unmarked Keisuke Honda to turn in at the back post.

Cristian Zapata decisively blocked a dangerous Lazio counter-attack and Antonio Candreva’s cross-shot was too close to Diego Lopez. The Colombian was again crucial when intercepting a Dusan Basta give-and-go with Miroslav Klose.

Lazio stepped up the pressure after the break with De Vrij from distance, but it was Milan who doubled their lead with a rare scoring opportunity.

Ignazio Abate whipped in a cross from the right for Sulley Muntari to volley at full stretch from six yards.

Soon after, Jeremy Menez was blocked off in the box by a disappointing De Vrij on his Serie A debut. Ex-PSG and Roma man Menez got back up to take the penalty himself, sending Etrit Berisha the wrong way.

Lazio did get back into the game with a chaotic goal, as Alex slid in to anticipate Filip Djordjevic on an Antonio Candreva cross and may well have got the last touch to surprise Diego Lopez at the near post.

The Aquile gained in confidence and Diego Lopez mistimed his intervention, fortunate to see a Senad Lulic header sail off target.

Stefano Mauri’s volley skimmed the woodwork, then Mbaye Niang came off the bench and immediately fired straight at Berisha.

Lazio were pouring forward and Diego Lopez had to beat away a Candreva volley into the ground at the back post.

Stefano Pioli’s men never gave up and deep into stoppages Candreva was tripped by Abate for a penalty. However, Diego Lopez marked his Serie A debut with a wonderful save, turning Candreva’s spot-kick out of the near bottom corner.

This is the first time in three years that the Rossoneri have been able to win the opening game.

Having played with the Giallorossi in his career and managed the Turin giants, Ancelotti spoke to Tuttosport about the contenders for the Serie A title.

“All the big teams will suffer at the start, especially after a World Cup campaign,” warned the Champions League winner.

“Juventus are still in front of the others and are the favourites, especially as the squad seems to have been strengthened. Evra is a top level player and Morata will certainly do well in Italy.

“Roma are also strong, despite selling Benatia. Iturbe is talented, so is Manolas, the centre-back they signed to replace Benatia. Plus they brought in Ashley Cole, who remains a top level player.

“I think the surprise will be Fiorentina, as they maintained their basic structure and improved upon it, while they already had a good season despite all the injuries.

“I hope Milan can surprise too. They are working hard to get back in shape by investing in youth and mixing them with experienced players. Of course, that takes time.

“How is Inzaghi as a Coach? When one of your players starts his management career, it’s not a good sign for your age,” joked Ancelotti.

“He has knowledge and enthusiasm. He lacks experience, but everyone does at the start, even the best. I have always admired his passion. Pippo lives for football and that is an advantage for a Coach, because this job can crush you.”

Ancelotti tried to reassure Napoli fans after their Champions League play-off defeat to Athletic Bilbao.

“Anyone who thought Napoli were the favourites in that tie probably didn’t know Athletic very well. This is a strong side and it’s always difficult to play on their home turf.

“When Napoli failed to win the first leg at the San Paolo, I knew it’d be incredibly difficult for them in the decider.”

Juventus have changed management with Max Allegri taking over from Antonio Conte.

“Allegri has broad shoulders and will be able to handle the pressure. It won’t be easy in the Champions League, but I think the team and everything around them matured.

“Allegri should be ready for battle. It takes sacrifice, courage, great concentration and grit. Atletico Madrid never change their approach, whether it’s at home or away.”

Pippo Inzaghi wants Milan to be “the surprise of the Serie A season” and silence the sceptics, starting against Lazio tomorrow.

His top flight management career kicks off at San Siro on Sunday at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT).

“I am very confident,” declared SuperPippo in his Press conference.

“This calm is down to the fact I have seen the team training well. What these players went through was tough, because they had no certainties left to rely on. We want to be the surprise of this Serie A season.

“I am very excited, but in our line of work emotions spur us on. Certainly as a Coach I get less sleep than when I was a player. That’s because it’s difficult to be credible and leave some players at home.

“At the same time, it’s a wonderful, gratifying job and I hope to rest so that I can give my best tomorrow.”

Mattia De Sciglio and Philippe Mexes are suspended in defence, while Riccardo Montolivo is injured and Fernando Torres unlikely to be thrown straight into the mix against Lazio.

“I don’t know if Honda will start or not tomorrow, but he has my utmost respect and that of his teammates. Pazzini is a leader of this project and knows how highly I think of him. He’s at the centre of my plans, whether he starts or comes off the bench.

“My objective is to get 100 per cent out of the players Milan give me to train. I set myself ambitious objectives in the table. We must be ambitious, but not presumptuous. I hope to be up to the task, even if there are better-constructed teams.

“Some have forgotten that we signed Alex and Menez, two players of a good level.”

Inzaghi added it is his aim to bring back the ‘Milan DNA’ to this squad.

“As a Coach my philosophy is that before building a tactical system, you need to understand the jersey on your back. The Milan shirt is something unique.

“When you leave Milan, the players always want to return. If someone beats us, it has to be because they were stronger, not because they wanted it more.”

Stefano Pioli insists Lazio’s showdown with Milan is a head-to-head for Europe. “These are two quality teams.”

They open their Serie A account at San Siro on Sunday at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT).

“I am very fired up and concentrated. I can’t wait to get started and that’s the attitude within my team too,” said the Coach in his Press conference.

“I want to see my side proving its capabilities and taking control of the game. These are two quality sides and, like Milan, we were constructed to get back into Europe. Playing a top opponent in the first match can only help motivate us further.

“As a Coach, it is an advantage not being in Europe for one season, as you have more time to work on details. It’s an advantage we have to make the most of.

“On paper there are seven clubs challenging for the top spots. Juventus and Roma are a step above, but amid the others let’s not forget Udinese, Parma and Torino.”

Miroslav Klose “doesn’t have 90 minutes in his legs,” while Santiago Gentiletti looks set for a spot on the bench.

“We are going to Milan in order to take the initiative and conquer the victory, although it will take suffering and character.”

Fernando Torres revealed he was eager to join Milan and work with Coach Pippo Inzaghi, “who knows full well what centre-forwards feel.”

The striker arrived on a two-year loan deal from Chelsea and is undergoing a medical after touching down at Linate airport.

“They are the three days of the Condor and I always get my man,” smiled CEO Adriano Galliani to MilanNews.it, referring to the final stages of the transfer window.

“We are very satisfied. Fernando had already been close to Milan in 2007, but he cost €37m. We got him here eventually, though.”

Torres also spoke to MilanNews on his way to the La Madonnina clinic for the medical.

“It is a big responsibility to be here, but also an honour. I hope to settle in straight away in Italian football, but above all can’t wait to train with someone like Inzaghi who knows full well what centre-forwards feel.

“I hope to learn a lot from him and become useful to the team.”

Torres had an overall disappointing time at Chelsea after his £50m transfer from Liverpool in January 2011.

“I am happy with this new chapter in my career. I am happy to have arrived in Italian football and happy with the welcome of the fans.

“Now I just want to repay this affection with goals. I hope to help the team return to the Champions League, which is where Milan belong.

“I spoke to Inzaghi and some teammates. I don’t want to look at the past now, but to the present and that is Milan.

Jeremy Menez and Stephan El Shaarawy beat Sassuolo 2-0, as Milan also saw off Juventus to win the Trofeo TIM.

The Rossoneri had won their opener 1-0 over Juventus, while Sassuolo lost to the Bianconeri by that same scoreline, but still had a chance of winning the trophy on goal difference.

The referee pointed to the spot for a harsh penalty, as Jeremy Menez’s solo run was charged down by an Emanuele Terranova trailing arm as he was falling. Menez took the kick himself and buried it with a low finish into the near corner.

Domenico Berardi almost equalised immediately with a quickly-taken free kick that stung Christian Abbiati’s gloves and from that corner Sergio Floro Flores nodded wide. Berardi was again dangerous on the counter, but Colombian duo Cristian Zapata and Pablo Armero combined to crowd him out.

Stephan El Shaarawy doubled Milan’s lead by running on to an inspired Keisuke Honda through ball and kept his cool to slot the finish past Polito.

Menez wanted another goal and his angled drive flashed inches wide of the far post, while Pomini was at full stretch to deny El Shaarawy.

Giampaolo Pazzini trapped a Bryan Cristante assist only to fire off target under pressure. Milan’s 16-year-old talent Hachim Mastour, who was born here in Reggio Emilia, came on for the final minutes. He impressed, setting up a chance that Pazzini and Riccardo Saponara didn’t make the most of from six yards.

Keisuke Honda gave Milan a surprise 1-0 win over Juventus in the opening Trofeo TIM mini-match.

This is a traditional pre-season tournament with three 45-minute games. They get three points for a victory, two for a win on penalties and one for losing a shoot-out.

The first match was the biggest and also gave Allegri his first opportunity to face former club Milan, who were still smarting from Mario Balotelli’s sale to Liverpool.

Milan had a very aggressive start with Andrea Poli and Jeremy Menez efforts charged down in quick succession. Paul Pogba hit a weak effort straight at Diego Lopez and Patrice Evra crucially stopped Keisuke Honda tapping in on the counter.

Sulley Muntari wasted a golden opportunity when pouncing on a Leonardo Bonucci howler, as he ballooned the half-volley high and wide.

Diego Lopez did well to save from point-blank range until Sebastian Giovinco wandered offside in a chaotic move.

Milan eventually broke through when Mattia De Sciglio burst down the left and pulled back for Honda’s well-taken strike from 12 yards.

Honda also curled a free kick just over the bar, while at the other end Giovinco just failed to get a touch to Pogba’s assist from close range.

This victory gives Milan three points. It also means the next game in the Trofeo TIM this evening will be between Juventus and hosts Sassuolo.

He was discussing the possibility of signing Destro as a replacement for Liverpool-bound Mario Balotelli, but Sky Sport Italia suggest Roma were unimpressed with the proposal of a loan plus option to buy for a total €17m.

According to Sky Sport Italia, Galliani also had a secret dinner with Monaco representatives for Falcao last night.

The Colombian forward has shaken off his devastating knee injury, which ruled him out of the World Cup, but is unhappy at Monaco.

Juventus are also interested in signing Falcao on loan, as he is widely expected to join Real Madrid next summer.

Gennaro Gattuso trusts Pippo Inzaghi can be a success at Milan, but only if “they sign him a top player.”

The Rossoneri agreed terms with Liverpool to sell Mario Balotelli for £16m (€20m) and so far have not found a replacement.

“If I think of Milan, my heart swells,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport. “It is in my blood and I still suffer for that club today.

“I know Pippo’s temperament and his strength, so he’ll play his part. If they sign him a top player, then it’ll be better...

“I won’t discuss Balotelli’s sale. He is a talent who can decide any game, but he needs to be supported. He’s a great striker, but has to understand there are no favourites. Players must be treated all the same.”

Gattuso is now the Coach of OFI Crete after brief spells at FC Sion and Palermo.

He was also asked about Antonio Conte’s appointment to the Italy bench.

“Conte is the right man. I have absolutely no doubts, he is a winner with clear ideas and knows what he wants. He’ll go straight along his path and will take us far.”

Christian Abbiati is reportedly interested in a return to Juventus, but the Bianconeri have specific terms and Milan are saying no.

Juve’s goalkeeping situation behind Gigi Buffon is expected to develop this summer, with Marco Storari seen as pushing for a move to Sassuolo, following Gianluca Pegolo’s long-term injury.

The Old Lady is apparently open to Storari’s move to the Neroverdi, if they can find a replacement at no extra cost.

Abbiati, who only renewed with Milan at the start of the summer, is seen as one possible target, and he is described today by the Gazzetta dello Sport as open to talks.

However, there apparently remain two barriers to any deal - the clubs. Juve are believed to be looking to reduce Abbiati’s wages to match that of Storari’s, as currently they are €500,000-a-season higher.

Milan, meanwhile, are seen through Vice-President Adriano Galliani as having dismissed the Bianconeri’s interest, opposing any transfer to Turin.

Diego Lopez had a shaky debut in goal as Milan were beaten 2-1 by Valencia with costly defensive errors.

Ex-Real Madrid goalkeeper Diego Lopez was given his debut at the Mestalla, but Mario Balotelli, Nigel de Jong and M’Baye Niang were sidelined. Adil Rami was left behind after receiving threats from fans of his former club.

Paco Alcacer broke the deadlock early on by pouncing on a disastrous Cristian Zapata backpass and immediately placing the lob over Diego Lopez from midfield.

Keisuke Honda has stuttered since arriving in January from CSKA Moscow, but scored a magnificent equaliser when his free kick curled over the wall and ricocheted in off the inside of the near post.

A Diego Lopez fumble almost gifted the hosts a second, but Zapata was there to clean up. More very poor defending allowed Valencia to restore their advantage, as Rodrigo skipped through two white shirts and his shot squirmed between the near post and a hesitant Diego Lopez.

Stephan El Shaarawy thought he’d scored with the last kick of the first half, but his effort was desperately charged down from six yards.

Andre Gomes fired straight at Diego Lopez and Feghouli was off balance to turn wide on the counter. Pablo Armero came on for his Rossoneri debut.

Jeremy Menez drilled wide from a very promising position, while substitute goalkeeper Rodriguez needed a stunning fingertip save to keep out a Michael Essien header from six yards.

“My agent, in addition to this, hasn’t let me know anything about any rumour on the transfer market, so I don’t really know where this rumour comes from.

“I am very happy at Newcastle, I found my space and above everything else I have with me my whole family.

“I still have two years on my contract and for the moment I do not intend to move.

“Indeed, if I have a dream… if I ever was to come across any offers from other leagues, I would hope to stay in the Premier League.

“Again, I am very happy and I do not want to leave.”

Santon was asked though about a future move to Fiorentina.

“Fiorentina are a good team, with a great Coach who practices a beautiful football. In life, as I say, you never know what’s around the corner, but at the moment I am concentrating on Newcastle and the next season, which will begin soon.”

The trio met at the President’s base in Arcore, on the outskirts of Milan, on Wednesday evening, where it was believed they discussed the progress of the team so far and prospective continued work in the transfer market.

Primary discussion is believed to have centred on continued interest in an attacking winger, with Alessio Cerci, Ezequiel Lavezzi and Douglas Costa all brought up.

The Gazzetta dello Sport understand that Shakhtar Donetsk’s Costa has now been identified as the option to target first and foremost, with his availability at a lower cost that Cerci and Lavezzi mentioned as one motivation.

Even so, Shakhtar are reportedly requesting bids at the player’s buyout clause of €50m, whilst the Rossoneri still apparently see any move costing upwards of €25m, spread across multiple payments, and a further €4m to the player’s advisor, Kia Joorabchian.

Meanwhile, Tuttosport lead with suggestions that it was also agreed in the meeting between Galliani, Inzaghi and Berlusconi that the squad can do with strengthening in midfield with another ‘quality purchase’.

Lyon’s Clement Grenier is put forward by the publication as the player that fits the club’s intentions for the centre of the park.

Pablo Armero’s agent confirms he turned down several English clubs because “he chose Milan and is happy.”

The Colombian international left Udinese on a season-long loan, apparently without an option to buy, though the details will be made clear after his medical on Monday.

“We are all very happy,” agent Luciano Ramalho told Tuttomercatoweb.

“Pablo is really enthusiastic about this great chance. We finalised everything yesterday. Adriano Galliani is a pragmatic man and doesn’t like to waste time, so we quickly reached an agreement that suited everyone. Now Pablo is happy.”

Having spent time at Napoli and West Ham United, Armero had his sights set firmly on San Siro.

“We can only thank Napoli for a good experience, but Pablo has a new experience to live now. There were offers from English clubs, but we chose Milan.

“We expect a new path at a big club, so must now focus on working hard and hoping to continue the fine performances seen at the World Cup.”

Urbano Cairo indicates Milan are not likely to get Alessio Cerci, as he explains Torino’s stance against Carlo Tavecchio and Demetrio Albertini.

The Granata’s President commented before his side’s Europa League Third qualifying round second leg win over Brommapojkarna that Cerci’s future at the club depends on the player and it is a message that he has since reiterated.

“I have said many times, Cerci is our player and is an important player for us, for the moment that is the state of things,” Cairo has told Torinogranata.it this week.

“Since there has been much talk of offers and requests for Cerci, I have also said that he could perhaps be tempted to take up an ambitious challenge with an important team, but that if he wanted to stay with us, as I hope so and am even ready to prolong his contract, then he must be clearly motivated as much as we are to hold and keep him with us.”

Milan are consistently linked with interest in the Italy international.

“Last week we did not meet, it has been two weeks since I have met Galliani which is why I would say the danger from Galliani is not so strong.

“We have some foreign sides that are interested in Cerci, but let’s see. If there is an extraordinary offer and, most importantly, Cerci does not ask me to leave, then the conversation is already closed.

“If there was a great deal and he wanted to go then the situation would be different, but if he does not ask me anything then I am happy.”

Torino are one of nine clubs to release a joint statement against both FIGC presidential candidates, Carlo Tavecchio and Demetrio Albertini.

“We have asked them to withdraw, alongside eight other clubs, so there is a total of nine of us, but I know for a fact that there are three other clubs that did not sign the letter but are thinking of voting for neither Tavecchio nor Albertini, so consequently the majority of Serie A’s clubs are no longer in favour of Tavecchio or even Albertini.

“The reason is very simple - we believe that at a time like this it is essential to make deep reforms, urgently needed to change and revive Italian football, and there must be a President who has wider support than Albertini and Tavecchio do, as the days go by their support grows more and more thin.”

Nigel De Jong is reportedly another midfield option being looked at by new Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal.

The Red Devils have been heavily linked with Juventus’ Arturo Vidal throughout the close season, but a deal is still yet to be done amid reported concerns over the Chilean’s recent knee ligament problems.

According to English media sources, one target the Old Trafford club could turn to should they not sign Vidal is Milan’s De Jong.

De Jong was part of van Gaal’s Netherlands squad at the recent World Cup in Brazil and would be available for a much lower price than the likes of Vidal or Roma’s Kevin Strootman.

Robinho’s agent has commented that ‘everything is done’ with regards to the Milan man’s move to Santos.

The 30-year-old looks set to end another summer of speculation over his future by securing a loan switch out to his former club until June 2015.

On from Santos confirming the move was close and the player’s representative suggesting earlier this week that only details needed to be finalised, the player has been reported as undergoing medical tests this morning by Globoesporte.

Following this, Robinho’s agent has once more updated reporters on progress.

“It’s all done,” Marisa Ramos has told UOL Esporte. “We must only put on paper the deal we have agreed with Santos.

“We are working on this, but it’s done. And everything is ready, we are just lacking Robinho’s signature.”

Santos President Odilio Rodrigues has called a Press conference for 4pm UK time, where he is anticipated as likely to announce Robinho’s signing.

The Corriere della Sera also suggest Milan are closing on a move for Diego Lopez, with his agent set for talks today and tomorrow.

The Gazzetta dello Sport have followed up recent speculation surrounding the goalkeeper with the suggestion today that a transfer ‘costing virtually nothing’ has been agreed with Real Madrid.

Backing up the pink daily on this is the Corriere della Sera, who suggest that the player’s representative is now due to meet with Adriano Galliani at Forte dei Marmi over the course of today and tomorrow.

The goalkeeper is widely believed to be asking for a three-year contract, but initial indications are of a significant gap in wage levels being discussed.

Where the Rossoneri are understood to be prepared to offer €2.5m-a-season, the 32-year-old is apparently looking for an annual salary of €4m.

The Frenchman has endured a difficult pre-season so far with new club Milan, but on from making a first appearance of their US and Canadian tour against Chivas, has revealed a positive outlook.

“It was tough to be on the outside, but now I feel better. I am ready to give everything that I have,” Menez has told today’s edition of the Gazzetta dello Sport.

“Inzaghi is developing a good playing philosophy, and working in this way I am sure we will do something good. I’m not worried, at the end of the month we will be ready.

“My preferred role? At PSG I played on the left or in the middle, and that’s where I find I am best.

“But if I should be put on the right for the good of the team, then no problem. It’s my best quality - I can play in any position in attack, and I still have so much to do and see.”

Menez met to discuss his move to San Siro with Inzaghi and Adriano Galliani in Ibiza.

“Inzaghi had a discussion with me that convinced me straight away. He is why I chose Milan. I feel a great understanding with the Coach, I cannot fail because he is providing so much for me and I would give anything for him.

“I already knew him as a player, of course. He had so much charisma and was very determined, just like now.

“He told me he had spoken of me on the phone with Carlo Ancelotti, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva, asking what I was like on the field and as a person. I know they have said nice things about me, I have to thank them.”

The 27-year-old is preparing for a second stint in Serie A, following a mixed first go in the League with Roma, which saw inconsistent form matched with off-field clashes.

“Am I a bad boy? The fact that I am a bad boy, excuse the term, is rubbish. People have a false picture of me and I want to prove that I am a quiet person on and off the field.

“I’m not saying that I have always been a saint, but I am now grown up, I feel different. In Rome I was young, I went wrong two or three times and I realised I made mistakes.

“As for those who judge me badly as a footballer, I say that in the first two season at PSG I managed almost 20 goals and 30 assists.

“This could be my year. My objectives are to take us back to the Champions League and to win something in this shirt, and to return to the national team. Preferably starting with the next game.

“The competition for places does not bother me, I am training and the best will play.”

Pippo Inzaghi was encouraged by Milan’s ‘spirit’ shown in achieving a win against Mexican side Chivas on Wednesday night.

The Rossoneri saw goals from M’Baye Niang, Mario Balotelli and Giampaolo Pazzini decide the closing match of their tour of the United States and Canada 3-0, even on a difficult playing surface.

“I think that we played a good game against Liverpool and today on a difficult pitch my team has done very well,” Inzaghi reflected after the match.

“We were good, the combinations that we have seen in training we saw here, there was a beautiful spirit.

“I see the right spirit, I see great desire to do well, I was convinced that we would be improved and we have to continue like this.

“When you go on to the field everyone thinks to dominate the opponent, whilst I think that in the end, despite the field, it was a good game for us and for our opponents for losing no-one to injury, which was important.

“In attack we have done very well, on the part of Balotelli, Pazzini and Niang, but also with regards to Honda, who always puts in great spirit.

“Menez has also entered with the right spirit and the right legs, we are finding everyone in a good condition.

Milan have closed their tour of the United States and Canada with a 3-0 victory over Mexican side Chivas.

On from disappointing defeats in the International Champions Cup to Olympiacos, Manchester City and Liverpool, the Rossoneri closed out this leg of their pre-season preparations with a positive result achieved overnight in Houston, Texas.

Whilst the game was decided by goals from M’Baye Niang, Mario Balotelli and Giampaolo Pazzini, attention focused on the quality of the playing turf, which was laid just two days before the match.

“Actually, up to the last minute, it was debatable whether it would be played,” Chivas Coach Carlos Bustos conceded post-match.

“The category of players on both sides obligates us to take that type of precaution to require a more acceptable pitch.”

Lone Star Sports & Entertainment and SMG-NRG Park released a statement on the matter too: “The turf for tonight's match was purchased from Thomas Turfgrass in central Texas.

“Thick-cut sod was ordered and installed as scheduled in a manner consistent with how previous temporary fields have been installed at NRG Stadium since 2003.

“There were complications with turf installation and the appearance is not consistent with our standard at NRG Stadium. The sod arrived uneven and the stadium field crew worked to level the surface and fill seams over a 60-hour period leading up to tonight's match. The referees ruled the playing surface to be safe for play.”

Inzaghi took over the San Siro hotseat from Clarence Seedorf this summer but has presided over a poor pre-season thus far, which has seen the team beaten convincingly by Olympiakos, Manchester City and Liverpool.

However, speaking to Tuttomercatoweb.com, the 67-year-old insisted there is no need to panic just yet and that Milan will only show their true colours once the transfer window is over.

“I think the real Milan will only be seen once the transfer window has closed,” Prati said.

“At this moment the condition of the players is inferior compared to the teams they have played.

“If you are not equal to it, you risk having these cruel scorelines.

“I don’t see why we shouldn’t believe in Inzaghi given that the season still hasn’t started yet. He has lost against very strong teams and with a team that is still incomplete.

“In order to see whether the Coach will do well we must first see whether the players respond to his methods.

“It’s a revolution and I just hope the team can be renovated. There needs to be a big renovation, that is crucial to revive the Rossoneri.”

Giampaolo Pazzini reiterates that he can play alongside Mario Balotelli, as he admits to receiving special attention from Pippo Inzaghi.

Heading into the new season under their new Coach, the Rossoneri are widely speculated as set to alternate in attack between Pazzini and Balotelli for a single striker position.

However, for the former, the possibility of the two playing together should not be ruled out.

“I would like to put an end to this discussion, which has been held for a long time,” Pazzini has considered to the Gazzetta dello Sport.

“Yes, Mario and I can work together fine. He likes to move around the area, I like to stay inside to finish. So we are complementary.”

That movement around the box has been a source of criticism for Balotelli.

“You can try to consign strikers to a rigid system, but it is difficult to change the characteristics of a player who has liked playing in a particular way for some time.

“Anyway, I see him as calm, he is training well and has great ideas in mind.”

Pazzini is back in the fold after a difficult 2013-14, which saw him return from injury midway through only to then drop to the bench under Clarence Seedorf.

“It’s a shame because after my injury I had returned well, I was training well and had also scored a couple of goals. It happened to me several times that I would go to sleep one evening as a starter and wake up on the day of the game on the bench.

“Have I considered leaving then? It is an idea that I have never considered. At Milan I am very happy, I’ve always felt the confidence of the club and the fans.”

Pazzini was asked of Inzaghi’s impact since returning to the senior squad as Coach.

“He is transmitting to us the spirit of Milan, he is letting us understand what this shirt is. He is looking to transmit that maniacal nature that he puts into his work every day.

“On a practical level he wants to play, and that these are new concepts - we need to put in the mentality and desire, and I can assure everyone that we are working with a great spirit of sacrifice.

“Does he give me special attention? Indeed, a little more than compared to the others he speaks to me. It happens with some frequency.

“He always gives me a lot of advice on correct movements and situations on the field.

“Maybe I happen to say: ‘Mister, I could not get to the ball’. And he tells me what he did in a similar situation when he was playing.

“I do not feel privileged, it is simply that I play in what was his position.

“Rules he has brought in for the group? The rules are the abc of the group. In fact, they were there already, but maybe they were not being followed…”

Milan start the season without captain Riccardo Montolivo, as he continues recovery from a broken leg suffered in May.

“It’s a shame because Riccardo is very important to us. You can feel his absence in the dressing room and also in the field because he is unique in his features.

“The group of Italians at the club? Milan has always had a core of Italians. We try to pull along the others, to have everyone train well.”